Evaporation Condensation and Water Cycle Process Explained
The most necessary thing for humans to live a peaceful life is said to be the availability of food, shelter, and clothes. Along with this, another thing without which humans cannot live a single day is water. Water has been considered the most imperative thing for all living things on earth. Water has the ability to grow plants, prevent drought in fields, give life to marine mammals and also hydrate humans.
Every other thing in this world has a substantial amount of water in its body. In order to spread awareness about water, Sir C.V. Raman, an Indian scientist, wrote an essay named, “Water: The Elixir of Life”. In this essay, he wrote that the true elixir of life is nothing but water. We forget how water is the most wonderful thing on earth and how we take it for granted.
Fresh Water Freshens Up the Eventful Journey
In this essay on water freshens up the eventful journry, Sir C.V.Raman wrote how when he was standing between the Libyan desert and the valley of Nile, on one side, he saw a place full of sand without a single tree and vegetation, and on the other side, he saw a vast population with all the resources surrounding a place. That place was nothing but the Nile river. He then realised how a current of water can give life to a place that surrounds it.
We, sometimes, forget how water is the most potent thing in our lives and how it should be treated as the most sacred thing on earth. Water also enhances the beauty of small villages and towns.
The countryside water is so breathtaking that we do nothing but be mesmerised by its beauty. Watching the sunset from the horizon, while it reflects on the vast ocean water is cherry on the top. by this, one can understand how water is not only essential for all living things but also for mother earth.
Water Too Little To Waste
We, as working homo sapiens, are so immersed in our daily life that we forget how little fresh water is available near us. It is said that every month, over 1,000 gallons of water is wasted due to the leakage and drainage of water in several houses. Some of the residents still don’t have access to clean water and some days, they are left with no water at all.
Most of the Earth's water is used in building construction, hotels, hospitals, and water parks etc. only 1% of it is cleaned and the rest is dumped back as it is. Hence, it is important for us to know the ways to conserve water and realise its value. If we start saving water, for now, it is assured that our future generations can live in peace without worrying about the scarcity of water.
Waste Water Story
Over 99% of water is the composition of wastewater. The main source of wastewater is said to be through Domestic, industrial and agricultural sectors. Most of them are from sewage systems, and domestic wastewater like toilets, laundry, washrooms etc. Industrial wastewater is the most hazardous one as it contains harmful chemicals. And it is the most difficult to treat.
Agricultural wastewater includes fertilizer waste, pesticides waste and animal wastes. Most of the wastewater, which is not treated, is sent back to the water bodies like oceans, lakes, and rivers.
This causes harm not only to the fish but also to the people residing across the banks of rivers and lakes, as wastewater can create an overwhelming amount of carbon-di-oxide, and hydrogen sulphide, making the water go septic. This can lead to marking the water-surrounded area,” dead zone”.
Waste Water Treatment
There are several ways to treat wastewater and make it usable in the future. Some of the treatment methods are:
Primary Treatment: This is one of the treatment methods where water is held in a tank, solid sinks to the bottom and lighter particles float to the surface. After this stage, the materials are trapped while the remaining water is discharged.
Secondary Treatment: This method requires three stages of treatment to thoroughly clean the water. Biofiltration (usage of sand filters to remove any sediments), Aeration (increases oxygen saturation), and Oxidation ponds ( allowing the wastewater to pass through water bodies and retain it after some time)
Tertiary Treatment: This method is also known as the disinfection method where any bacteria or pathogens are removed from the water to make it drinkable.
Conclusion
Hence, from this article, we can learn to utilize and save one of the most precious minerals available on Earth. The scarcity of water around the globe has taught us many things but the most important lesson we learned is the value of it.
Interesting Facts
Nearly 97% of the water on Earth is salty.
The earth’s temperature is regulated by water
Human brain is made up of 75% of water
When freezed, water expands by 9%
Key Features
Water is an essential part of life.
There are over 1000 gallons of wastewater every month.
Polar Regions are melting rigorously due to climate change.
Water makes our Earth more beautiful.
FAQs on Water Freshens Up An Eventful Journey in Chemistry
1. What does “Water Freshens Up An Eventful Journey” mean in chemistry?
In chemistry, “Water Freshens Up An Eventful Journey” is a mnemonic used to remember the gases released at the electrodes during the electrolysis of water.
- Water refers to H2O being decomposed.
- Freshens Up reminds us that hydrogen is produced at the cathode (reduction).
- Eventful Journey hints that oxygen is produced at the anode (oxidation).
2. What is electrolysis of water?
The electrolysis of water is the chemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases using electricity.
- It requires an external power supply.
- A small amount of electrolyte (like dilute H2SO4) is added to increase conductivity.
- Overall reaction: 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g).
3. Which gas is released at the cathode during electrolysis of water?
Hydrogen gas (H2) is released at the cathode during electrolysis of water.
- The cathode is the negative electrode.
- Reduction occurs at the cathode.
- Half-reaction: 2H2O(l) + 2e- → H2(g) + 2OH-(aq).
4. Which gas is formed at the anode in electrolysis of water?
Oxygen gas (O2) is formed at the anode during electrolysis of water.
- The anode is the positive electrode.
- Oxidation occurs at the anode.
- Half-reaction: 4OH-(aq) → O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e-.
5. What is the balanced chemical equation for electrolysis of water?
The balanced equation for the electrolysis of water is 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g).
- Two moles of water decompose.
- Two moles of hydrogen gas are produced.
- One mole of oxygen gas is produced.
6. Why is an electrolyte added during electrolysis of water?
An electrolyte is added because pure water is a poor conductor of electricity.
- Pure H2O has very low ion concentration.
- Addition of dilute H2SO4 or Na2SO4 increases ionic conductivity.
- The electrolyte does not get consumed in the overall reaction.
7. What type of reaction is the electrolysis of water?
The electrolysis of water is a redox reaction and a decomposition reaction.
- It is a decomposition reaction because water breaks into simpler substances.
- It is a redox reaction because oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.
- Oxidation: oxygen formation at the anode.
- Reduction: hydrogen formation at the cathode.
8. What is the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen produced in electrolysis of water?
The ratio of hydrogen to oxygen produced is 2:1 by volume.
- From the balanced equation 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g).
- Two moles of H2 are formed for every one mole of O2.
- This matches the molecular formula of water (H2O).
9. How can you test the gases produced during electrolysis of water?
Hydrogen is tested with a pop sound, while oxygen relights a glowing splint.
- Hydrogen test: A burning splint produces a “pop” sound due to rapid combustion.
- Oxygen test: A glowing splint relights in oxygen.
10. What are the applications of electrolysis of water?
Electrolysis of water is mainly used to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas for industrial and energy applications.
- Hydrogen production for fuel cells.
- Oxy-hydrogen flame for welding and cutting.
- Oxygen supply in medical and industrial uses.
- Green hydrogen production using renewable electricity.
